Workshop on Semantics in Geospatial Architectures: Applications and Implementation    (3XC4)

October 28-29, 2013    (3XC5)

University of Wisconsin-Madison    (3XC6)

This is a call for position papers (about 500 words) expressing interest to attend and/or present at a two day workshop focused on including semantic components in geospatial applications and architectures. Goals of the workshop are to identify and describe existing semantic geospatial systems as well as to discuss semantic needs in future statewide geospatial information systems and national spatial data infrastructures (NSDIs). As States and the Federal government create new geospatial information systems, a goal is to foster the building of semantic architectures. Geospatial domain and GIS people not currently involved in the semantic area are encouraged to come to the workshop to listen or help guide usersÂ’ needs. Also, because semantics are newer in geospatial applications compared to other areas, other disciplines with semantic systems are welcome to present to potentially serve as models.    (3XC7)

Workshop topics can range from ideas for scenarios as to how semantics would benefit future geospatial systems to how to actually build such systems. Semantic technology in database systems and also the use of database systems in semantic software are of interest. The use of semantics can be for searching, querying, data integration, question answering, or other areas. Semantic components can encompass ontologies, repositories, mappings, semantic mediators, reasoners, and other semantic software, as well as linked data and associated linked data software. For the latter, for example, what are the pros and cons for representing geospatial data in RDF and using RDF systems rather than using relational or other database systems? How could a system accommodate both RDF data and databases?    (3XC8)

Goals of the workshop include identifying current applications or systems that use semantic technologies, showing how semantics are useful in those domains and systems, and descriptions of how those systems are built (i.e., the architecture, what technologies are being used both conceptually and in software development). As a result, commonalities or differences in concepts and software will be identified to recommend designs and best practices to make semantic technology more widely used. Also, it is likely that unmet needs will be identified for future architectures, regarding both functionality and software. Types of architectures could include portals, Database Systems, SDIs, cloud, HPC, information systems, and cyberinfrastructures such as proposed for EarthCube. Again, the focus in this workshop is on geospatial applications and data so results will target geospatial data. Work on semantic mediation will be presented by OGC.    (3XC9)

Attendees will be asked to contribute to a report write-up of the workshop, especially to verify accuracy for descriptions of systems they have presented, regarding existing or future use, designs, and software development of semantics in various geospatial architectures. Workshop format will be presentations with follow on discussions and summaries. There are some partial funds available for participant support from the NSF SOCoP INTEROP grant on geospatial semantics, http://interop.socop.org.    (3XCA)

Format for the position paper:    (3XCD)

The meeting will likely take place at the Pyle Center (702 Langdon St.). At least some hotel rooms will be available at Lowell Hall (610 Langdon St.). The organizers will arrange hotel rooms. These locations are close to the UW Memorial Union as well as Lake Mendota.    (3XH8)

The area airport is Dane County Regional Airport (MSN), 4000 International Ln #3, Madison, WI 53704, which is about 6 miles away. There is no public transportation there, so cabs are used.    (3XH9)